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June District Newsletter
DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | June 2024 A Message from Superintendent Rob O'Leary It’s summertime! I hope everyone’s summer is off to a relaxing, fun and enjoyable start! The 2023-2024 school year was certainly challenging, but despite all the challenges, I have several pieces of good news to share. First, congratulations to our Class of 2024! This was a very high achieving class which has left a lasting impression in our District. The class graduated 237 students and earned $12,954,701 in scholarship dollars. The following is a quick glimpse of what the class will be doing post high school: Work Force – 17% College – 71% Military – 7% Other (gap year, no plan etc.) – 5% Second, I am happy to share that the Board does not anticipate the need for going on the ballot to request tax funds for the next couple of years. The 5-year forecast presented by Treasurer/CFO Eric Beavers, which was approved at the May 21 Board of Education meeting ( linked here ), shows a better financial position for the District due to the over $3 million in cost-saving measures during the 2023-2024 school year and the 2024-2025 school year, as well as the additional funds from the revenue sharing agreement with the City of Vandalia. A few additional items I want you to be aware of…the draft calendars for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 were approved at the June 3 Board meeting. The calendar for next school year and the draft calendars for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 can be found on our website (linked here ) for your planning purposes. Last but not least, the handbooks for the 2024-2025 school year were also approved at the June 3 Board of Education meeting. If you have paid attention to national and state news lately, you know there has been a lot of attention on implementing cell phone policies in schools that drastically limit or prohibit the use of cell phones during school hours. This is largely because of new research that is showing the negative effects of cell phone usage on students' mental health. Governor DeWine recently signed into law House Bill 250, which requires every school district in Ohio to establish an official policy governing cell phone usage during school hours. It includes exceptions for students who need a cell phone to monitor health concerns, such as for diabetes. Currently, all our buildings, except for the high school, prohibit cell phone usage during the school day. For the 2024-2025 school year, as is reflected in the handbooks, cell phones will be prohibited during the day at Butler High School as well. Over the summer months, Mr. Williamson will give updates and guidance in his weekly bulletins that are sent to parents about this new policy. Thank you to our parents and students for your patience this school year in working through so much. I also want to thank all our staff for all of the work put into this school year. In particular, a very special thank you to those retiring from the District; we thank you for your many, many years of dedicated service. I hope you have a safe, fun, relaxing summer spent with your families, friends, and loved ones. I hope you make many great memories together. We will see you back in school the Tuesday after Labor Day to start off a new chapter and school year. God Bless You All! We are Aviators! Rob O'Leary Superintendent RECONFIGURATION UPDATES The reconfiguration plan consists of: HELKE : Preschool and Kindergarten DEMMITT : First and Second Grades SMITH : Third, Fourth and Fifth Grades Tentative Timeline We will update this information from month to month as new information arises. Because of that, this timeline is subject to change. The information is also available on our website: www.vbcsd.com/reconfiguration December - January ✅ Planning Meetings with preschool through fifth grade staff and administrators and K-5 specials staff, and traveling staff. ✅ Information Gathering – Modular Unit Exploration. ✅ Administrative responsibilities for reconfiguration decided. February - March ✅ Enter into modular lease agreement in February. ✅ Rendering of Smith modular unit shared publicly (example photos shared in modular unit presentation). ✅ Staffing placement decisions (the goal is for decisions to be made and staff notified prior to spring break) Curriculum meetings and discussion planning for reconfiguration. ✅ Decision on which grade level will be in the modular unit at Smith made prior to spring break. ✅ While we won’t have transportation routing information, we will be able to post eligible/non-eligible transportation zones for each building in the reconfiguration, so parents have advanced notice of transportation eligibility prior to spring break . The district will continue to provide transportation services to all K-8 students living at a one-mile radius or more. April - May ✅ Release 2024-2025 school start/end times. ✅ Initial interest survey of parents for BASE offerings in 2024-2025. ✅ New staff teams begin planning for transition. ✅ Student-focused reconfiguration transition events (building tours, etc.). June - July ✅ Moving and preparing buildings for reconfiguration. ✅ Modular delivery/installation (in process). August Open Houses August 7, 2024 - Deadline for Board of Education to make necessary resolutions in order to be included on the November ballot. Previous Communications: November 17, 2023 Newsletter - Superintendent's Message November 21, 2023 Update To view the slides presented at the November 21 Board of Education meeting pertaining to the reconfiguration, click here . December 2023 Newsletter - Superintendent's Message January 2024 Newsletter - Superintendent's Message February 2024 Newsletter - Superintendent's Message To view the slides presented at the February 12 special Board of Education meeting pertaining to the modular unit, click here . February 21 Update March 2024 Newsletter - Superintendent's Message March 28, 2024 Update (Transportation) April 2024 Newsletter - Superintendent's Message April 23, 2024 Update (Calendar) IN OUR DISTRICT Class of 2024 Congratulations to the Butler High School Class of 2024! This talented group earned a record-breaking nearly $13 million in scholarships. Along with family, friends, staff members, and community members, 237 students participated in the commencement ceremony on May 20. Receiving the highest honors were Valedictorian Emma Pruszynski and Co-Salutatorians Nolan Baker and Natalie Schoenherr. Our Aviators are sure to soar! For graduation candid photos, visit our website photo gallery here . Memorial Program Butler High School hosted the 45th annual Memorial Program honoring fifteen men and one woman from the Vandalia-Butler community who lost their lives while serving our country. 2023-2024 Retirees Congratulations to the 2023-2024 Vandalia-Butler City School District retirees. Together, the district's retirees total nearly 350 years of combined service. Thank you for your service to Vandalia-Butler City Schools! Katherine Baker | Todd Baker | Lisa Craft | Lis-Beth Dahlinghaus | William Danley | Sheila Dean | Therese Garision | Richard Noble | Carolyn North | Anthony Sheffield | Cynthia Snyder | Casandra Trick | Kevin Wilson IMPORTANT INFORMATION School Calendars The 2024-2025 school year calendar was approved by the Board of Education earlier this school year. Additionally, draft calendars for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 were approved on June 3. All calendars may be viewed and/or downloaded by visiting our website . Important Back to School Dates: Tuesday, September 3 : First Day of School for Grades 1-12 Monday, September 9 : First Day of School for Kindergarten Tuesday, September 10 : First Day of School for Preschool 2024-2025 Open House Dates Mark your calendars for our new school year open house dates and times! Our buildings will also be hosting orientations, and that information will be available soon. Tuesday, August 27 Butler High School (grades 9-12): 5:30-7:00 pm Morton Middle School (grades 6-8): 5:00-6:30 pm Smith Intermediate School (grades 3-5): 4:30-6:00 pm Demmitt Elementary School (grades 1-2): 5:00-6:30 pm Monday, September 9 Helke Early Learning Center (kindergarten only): 7:45-8:30 am *Note, this is also the first day of school for kindergarten. Monday, September 16 AM Preschool: 5:00-5:45 pm PM Preschool: 6:00-6:45 pm Transportation Our transportation department is hard at work creating routes for the new school year. With the new reconfigurations, we realize how important it is to communicate transportation information early so that families can prepare for the new school year. With that, we want to provide information in a timely manner, but also provide accurate information. We will share pick up and drop off times in late August. A couple of notes about transportation: 1 . We plan for every student in grades k-8 who is eligible for transportation. If a student does not ride the bus, times may be slightly different. 2 . As our district receives new enrollments, bus pick up and drop off times may change. The two weeks leading up to the start of school is a heavy enrollment time. 3 . Bus drivers return in late August. At that time, they complete trial runs of their routes. After this trial is when we are able to provide the most accurate pick up and drop off times for our families. Families should plan to check the website regularly leading up to the start of school. BHS Summer Athletic Camps The BHS Athletics Department is looking forward to hosting future Aviator athletes for a summer full of instruction. Camps are still open for football (June 8), soccer (July 15-19), and volleyball grades 3-6 (June 10-13) and grades 7-8 (July 29-31). For more information and for instructions on how register, CLICK HERE . 2024-2025 KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT Enrollment for FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN is open. With the district's reconfiguration of Demmitt, Helke and Smith, ALL kindergarten classes will be at Helke beginning next school year. Current VBCSD preschool students who will be transitioning to kindergarten next school year do not need to re-enroll. B.A.S.E. Updates B.A.S.E. (Before and After School Experience) is a program offering before and after school childcare for families of VBCSD. The district will be offering morning and afternoon B.A.S.E. childcare for the 2024-2025 school year. ALL programming will be located at Helke Early Learning Center . Students attending in the morning will be received at Helke and then bussed to their respective schools, and students attending in the afternoon will be bussed from their respective schools to Helke where they will be picked up by their parent/guardian. Registrations are still being accepted on a first come, first served basis even though the original deadline of May 31 has passed. Please CLICK HERE for 2024-2025 BASE Information and CLICK HERE for the registration/survey. PARENT SQUARE UPDATES Our annual grade level rollover will be occurring the week of June 17. When this happens, the Class of 2024 graduates will be removed, new enrollment accounts will become active, and students will be advancing grade levels and/or buildings, if applicable. Please check your accounts and groups closely to make sure your student information is correct, and that you continue to see any students whom you should be connected to. This will be the last district newsletter sent to families of the Class of 2024. If you would like to stay connected and continue to receive our monthly district newsletters, please join our community group. Registering is easy! Click here to join. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact: Mary Stephens, PR/Communications Coordinator mary.stephens@vbcsd.com IN THE NEWS BOARD BRIEFS The Vandalia-Butler Board of Education held a regular meeting on May 21 and a work session on June 3. To view the agenda and approved consent items, click here (May 21) and click here (June 3). Superintendent's Report Superintendent O'Leary and the Board of Education recognized thirteen staff members retiring from Vandalia-Butler City Schools with a proclamation and thanked them for their service. The 2023 Business Partner Award was presented to Warehouse 4 with grateful appreciation for their continued support of Vandalia-Butler City Schools! Jordan Shumaker was awarded an Aviator Achievement Award for earning several accolades from the Southwest Ohio Athletic Directors' Association including Athletic Director of the Year, the Meritorious Service Award, and the Award of Merit. Scott Oldfield was recognized with an Aviator Achievement Award for his dedication to preparing our students, families and community for the Eclipse and for hosting monthly planetarium shows throughout the school year. Treasurer/CFO Report Treasurer/CFO Eric Beavers presented the five-year forecast . Congratulations to the treasurer's department for receiving the Auditor of State Award with Distinction! Business Partner Award and Aviator Achievement Awards: WHERE DO I FIND....? Below are several important website links to help you find information quickly and easily: Reconfiguration Updates (Demmitt/Helke/Smith) Board-Approved School Year Calendar All-School Calendar Hub Calamity Day Letter | Delay Schedule Breakfast and Lunch Menus Transportation Board of Education Information | Board Docs (Agendas/Minutes/Policies/Financial Reports, etc.) Photo Album MARK YOUR CALENDARS 6.24.24 | Regular Board of Education Meeting; 12:00 p.m. @ Board of Education Office 6.24.24 | Special Board of Education Meeting; 2:00 p.m. @ Board of Education Office 7.16.24 | Regular Board of Education Meeting; 5:30 p.m. @ Board of Education Office 8.5.24 | Board of Education Work Session; 5:30 p.m. @ Board of Education Office 8.20.24 | Regular Board of Education Meeting; 5:30 p.m. @ Board of Education Office 8.27.24 | District Open Houses Butler High School: 5:30-7:00 p.m. Morton Middle School: 5:00-6:30 p.m. Smith Intermediate School: 4:30-6:00 p.m. Demmitt Elementary School: 5:00-6:30 p.m. Orientation dates and times will follow. 9.3.24 | First Day of School Grades 1-12 9.9.24 | First Day of School Helke Early Learning Center Helke Early Learning Center: Kindergarten meet the teacher and open house: 7:45-8:30 a.m. 9.10.24 | First Day of Preschool 9.16.24 | Preschool Open House - AM Preschool: 5:00-5:45 p.m. or PM Preschool: 6:00-6:45 p.m. Vandalia-Butler City Schools 500 South Dixie Drive | Vandalia, OH 45377 | 415-6400
Friday, Jun 07 2024
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May District Newsletter
DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | May 2024 A Message from Superintendent Rob O'Leary Welcome to May and the last few weeks of the 2023-2024 school year! This month’s newsletter has important information about the close out of this school year, as well as information for next school year. As a follow up to my last update about the 2024-2025 school year calendar, I am now able to provide information about the start and end times for each school building next school year. First, I want to thank you again for your patience as we continue to work through these changes. It is important that we limit and minimize unintended negative consequences with these changes, and verify the times work from a transportation and logistics standpoint. With that said, the following lists the school start and end times for each building, as well as the earliest allowable drop off times for each building. As we are checking off the final items from our reconfiguration timeline and checklist we have shared with you each month, with start and end times now established, we will now survey parents in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade to gauge interest in our BASE (before and after school childcare) program. If you have childcare needs before and/or after school next year, please fill out the survey so we can determine where there is enough participation to support a program. Information about this survey is found in this newsletter below. As we approach the end of the school year, I am truly grateful for the patience and support of our community, parents, students, and staff as we have worked through so much together! God Bless You All! We are Aviators! Rob O'Leary Superintendent RECONFIGURATION UPDATES The reconfiguration plan consists of: HELKE : Preschool and Kindergarten DEMMITT : First and Second Grades SMITH : Third, Fourth and Fifth Grades Tentative Timeline We will update this information from month to month as new information arises. Because of that, this timeline is subject to change. The information is also available on our website: www.vbcsd.com/reconfiguration December - January ✅ Planning Meetings with preschool through fifth grade staff and administrators and K-5 specials staff, and traveling staff. ✅ Information Gathering – Modular Unit Exploration. ✅ Administrative responsibilities for reconfiguration decided. February - March ✅ Enter into modular lease agreement in February. ✅ Rendering of Smith modular unit shared publicly (example photos shared in modular unit presentation). ✅ Staffing placement decisions (the goal is for decisions to be made and staff notified prior to spring break) Curriculum meetings and discussion planning for reconfiguration. ✅ Decision on which grade level will be in the modular unit at Smith made prior to spring break. ✅ While we won’t have transportation routing information, we will be able to post eligible/non-eligible transportation zones for each building in the reconfiguration, so parents have advanced notice of transportation eligibility prior to spring break . The district will continue to provide transportation services to all K-8 students living at a one-mile radius or more. April - May ✅ Release 2024-2025 school start/end times. ✅ Initial interest survey of parents for BASE offerings in 2024-2025. New staff teams begin planning for transition. Student-focused reconfiguration transition events (building tours, etc.). June - July Moving and preparing buildings for reconfiguration. Modular delivery/installation. August Open Houses August 7, 2024 - Deadline for Board of Education to make necessary resolutions in order to be included on the November ballot. Previous Communications: November 17, 2023 Newsletter - Superintendent's Message November 21, 2023 Update To view the slides presented at the November 21 Board of Education meeting pertaining to the reconfiguration, click here . December 2023 Newsletter - Superintendent's Message January 2024 Newsletter - Superintendent's Message February 2024 Newsletter - Superintendent's Message To view the slides presented at the February 12 special Board of Education meeting pertaining to the modular unit, click here . February 21 Update March 2024 Newsletter - Superintendent's Message March 28, 2024 Update (Transportation) April 2024 Newsletter - Superintendent's Message April 23, 2024 Update (Calendar) IN OUR DISTRICT IMPORTANT INFORMATION 2024-2025 B.A.S.E. Interest Survey B.A.S.E. (Before and After School Experience) is a program offering before and after school childcare for families. To gauge the interest for the 2024-2025 school year, we are asking families to complete this survey. The feedback received will help the district determine if the program can be supported. Over the summer, based on survey feedback, we will determine if we have enough students to offer before and/or after school care, which building(s) will provide the program and the staffing levels required. Please CLICK HERE for 2024-2025 BASE Information and CLICK HERE for the registration/survey. BHS Summer Athletic Camps The BHS Athletics Department is looking forward to hosting future Aviator athletes for a summer full of instruction. Camps will be offered for baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball and volleyball. For more information and for instructions on how register, CLICK HERE . 2024-2025 KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT Enrollment for FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN is now open. With the district's reconfiguration of Demmitt, Helke and Smith, ALL kindergarten classes will be at Helke beginning next school year. Current VBCSD preschool students who will be transitioning to kindergarten next school year do not need to re-enroll. Additional details such as the hours of the school day, start/end times, transportation zones, etc. will be communicated in coordination with the district's reconfiguration timeline. iWise Living Presentation PARENTS!!! - Thank you to all who attended iWise Living on April 29 presented by Cheryl Mahoney. This eye opening presentation equipped parents with effective strategies to support healthy uses of internet-connected electronic devices using the FOUR PRINCIPLES of iWISE Living: Be Aware, Protect, Prepare, Respond. CLICK HERE for 22 iWise strategies that will help make a positive difference in monitoring and protecting against potential risks associated with internet connected devices. BOARD BRIEFS The Vandalia-Butler Board of Education held a regular meeting on April 16. To view the agenda, click here . Superintendent's Report Middle School Happenings highlighted Morton's Project Lead the Way program and High School Happenings highlighted the spring musical, Beauty and the Beast. Several Aviator Achievement awards were presented to students and staff for accomplishments in art and winter athletics. Superintendent O'Leary discussed the end of the year calendar and the need for additional staff time to prepare for the upcoming reconfiguration transitions. The BOE approved to change the last day of school to May 17 for grades K-8 and keep May 22 for grades 9-12 so high school students can complete exams. Treasurer/CFO Report Treasurer/CFO Eric Beavers reviewed the March financial reports and the BOE approved several action items listed below. The following action items were approved by the Board of Education: Treasurer's Department: 2024-069 Approval of Treasurer/CFO Consent Agenda Instruction: 2024-070 Approval of Media Collection | 2024-071 Approval of Payment for Supervision of Student Observers/Student Teachers Personnel: 2024-072 Approval of the Personnel Consent Agenda Items . Board Activity: The BOE proclaimed May 6-10 Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week | Adoption of Revised and New Board Policies. Middle School Happenings, High School Happenings and Aviator Achievement Recipients: WHERE DO I FIND....? Below are several important website links to help you find information quickly and easily: Reconfiguration Updates (Demmitt/Helke/Smith) Board-Approved School Year Calendar All-School Calendar Hub Calamity Day Letter | Delay Schedule Breakfast and Lunch Menus Transportation Board of Education Information | Board Docs (Agendas/Minutes/Policies/Financial Reports, etc.) Photo Album MARK YOUR CALENDARS 5.6-5.10 | Staff Appreciation Week 5.6 | Special Board of Education Meeting 5:30pm @ Board Office 5.11 | Under the Dome (Last presentation of the school year) 5.17 | Last Day of School Grades K-8 | BHS Memorial Program 1:30pm @ SAC 5.20 | Graduation 7pm @ SAC 5.21 | Board of Education Meeting 5:30pm @ Board Office 5.22 | Last Day of School Grades 9-12 Vandalia-Butler City Schools 500 South Dixie Drive | Vandalia, OH 45377 | 415-6400
Friday, May 03 2024
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April District Newsletter
DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | April 2024 A Message from Superintendent Rob O'Leary As we head into the last month and a half of school, I want to follow up on important calendar items. Following up on the March newsletter and the update I sent you after the March board meeting, we took time to discuss options for the modifications. I will be seeking approval for the end of this school year’s calendar at the upcoming April 16 meeting. The Board asked me to review options and come back with the best option that accomplishes the work that needs to be done. The following options were reviewed: Option 1 (original option) Friday, May 17- Last day for students PS-8 Monday May 20- staff meetings for new configuration Tuesday May 21- staff meetings for new configuration Wednesday May 22 - packing day Thursday May 23 - report day Option 2 Monday May 20- early release PS-8; staff meetings for new configuration Tuesday May 21- early release PS-8; staff meetings for new configuration Tuesday May 21 - Last day for students PS-8 Wednesday May 22 - AM staff meetings for new configuration / PM - packing Thursday May 23 - report day Option 3 Monday May 20- last day for students PS-8 Tuesday May 21- staff meetings for new configuration Wednesday May 22 - AM staff meetings for new configuration / PM - packing Thursday May 23 - report day In discussing this with staff and administration, I plan to recommend to the Board to approve Option 1 making the last day of school for students PS-8 Friday, May 17 . The high school students' last day will be Wednesday, May 22 as originally planned. The reason for this is because we need to be able to do this work without students while the staff is still on contract time. While we are having some planning discussions now, our focus is still on finishing the end of this great school year. Yet, there is a lot of work to be done logistically (we have almost 30 staff members moving, we are moving entire grade levels to different buildings, etc.) and programmatically (class lists for the elementaries, schedules, grading alignment, curriculum alignment, etc.). The bulk of this work cannot wait until we come back next year. I will be recommending this to the Board on Tuesday, April 16 at the regularly scheduled business meeting that will begin at 5:30 PM at the Board Office. 2024-2025 School Calendar Update: As you know we have been tasked to explore a Labor Day to Memorial Day school calendar for cost saving purposes. I have explained that this is a negotiable item and there is not much I can share until that process is finished. The only update I can give you right now is that we are finishing up the work on the school calendar for 2024-2025 and I expect to be able to share the draft 2024-2025 calendar before the end of April. I will most certainly send updates through Parent Square as soon as more information is available. I apologize for any inconvenience this causes you. Last but not least, I hope everyone enjoyed the amazing solar eclipse event Monday, April 8. The feedback we received from having that scheduled day off has been very positive - many families spent quality time together enjoying this rare opportunity! God Bless You All! We are Aviators! Rob O'Leary Superintendent RECONFIGURATION UPDATES The reconfiguration plan consists of: HELKE : Preschool and Kindergarten DEMMITT : First and Second Grades SMITH : Third, Fourth and Fifth Grades Tentative Timeline We will update this information from month to month as new information arises. Because of that, this timeline is subject to change. The information is also available on our website: www.vbcsd.com/reconfiguration December - January ✅ Planning Meetings with preschool through fifth grade staff and administrators and K-5 specials staff, and traveling staff. ✅ Information Gathering – Modular Unit Exploration. ✅ Administrative responsibilities for reconfiguration decided. February - March ✅ Enter into modular lease agreement in February. ✅ Rendering of Smith modular unit shared publicly (example photos shared in modular unit presentation). ✅ Staffing placement decisions (the goal is for decisions to be made and staff notified prior to spring break) Curriculum meetings and discussion planning for reconfiguration. ✅ Decision on which grade level will be in the modular unit at Smith made prior to spring break. ✅ While we won’t have transportation routing information, we will be able to post eligible/non-eligible transportation zones for each building in the reconfiguration, so parents have advanced notice of transportation eligibility prior to spring break . The district will continue to provide transportation services to all K-8 students living at a one-mile radius or more. April - May Release 2024-2025 school start/end times. Initial interest survey of parents for BASE offerings in 2024-2025. New staff teams begin planning for transition. Student-focused reconfiguration transition events (building tours, etc.). June - July Moving and preparing buildings for reconfiguration. Modular delivery/installation. August Open Houses August 7, 2024 - Deadline for Board of Education to make necessary resolutions in order to be included on the November ballot. Previous Communications: November 17, 2023 Newsletter - Superintendent's Message November 21, 2023 Update To view the slides presented at the November 21 Board of Education meeting pertaining to the reconfiguration, click here . December 2023 Newsletter - Superintendent's Message January 2024 Newsletter - Superintendent's Message February 2024 Newsletter - Superintendent's Message To view the slides presented at the February 12 special Board of Education meeting pertaining to the modular unit, click here . February 21 Update March 2024 Newsletter - Superintendent's Message March 28, 2024 Update (Transportation) IN OUR DISTRICT We enjoyed the excitement leading up to the eclipse and the total solar eclipse on April 8. Thank you to Titan Graphics for donating solar eclipse glasses for our entire district! KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT Enrollment for FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN will begin APRIL 22, 2024 . With the district's reconfiguration of Demmitt, Helke and Smith, ALL kindergarten classes will be at Helke beginning next school year. Current VBCSD preschool students who will be transitioning to kindergarten next school year do not need to re-enroll. Additional details such as the hours of the school day, start/end times, transportation zones, etc. will be communicated in coordination with the district's reconfiguration timeline. BHS Spring Musical: Beauty and the Beast The Butler High School Drama and Music Departments are presenting Beauty and the Beast from April 26-28. Tickets are $12 per seat and are available online or at the door on the night of the show. For online tickets, click here . On Friday, April 26, the BHS Interact and Vandalia Rotary Clubs are hosting a pre-show dinner from 5:30-7pm in the BHS cafeteria. Each pasta dinner is $12 and tickets are available at the BHS main office until April 19. *S how tickets are sold separate . Performances: April 26 & 27 at 7pm; April 28 at 3pm Location: BHS Performing Arts Theater April 29, 2024 | iWise Living Presentation | 6pm @ BHS Performing Arts Theater PARENTS!!! - Plan to join us on Monday, April 29 for a presentation by Cheryl Mahoney, owner of iWise, LLC to discover the many issues children face in the virtual world and how to help them navigate. Learn effective strategies to support healthy uses of internet-connected electronic devices using the FOUR PRINCIPLES of iWISE Living: Be Aware, Protect, Prepare, Respond. This eye-opening presentation is approximately 90 minutes. Childcare will be provided by our BHS National Honor Society/Octagon Club members. IN THE NEWS BOARD BRIEFS The Vandalia-Butler Board of Education held a regular meeting on March 19 and hosted BHS students for Youth in Government Day. To view the agenda, click here . Superintendent's Report High School Happenings highlighted arts and athletic accomplishments, upcoming events, and the Creative Arts Club. Mr. John Sexton/American Legion Post 668 and our BHS Multi Media Production Class were recognized with Aviator Achievement Awards. Discussion was held about possible changes to the end of this school year's calendar. The board did not take any action; however, they did ask Superintendent O'Leary to gather additional information to present at the April 16 board meeting. Treasurer/CFO Report Treasurer/CFO Eric Beavers reviewed financial reports and noted that the closing date for the modular lease is March 20. Action Items: Treasurer's Department: 2024-043 Treasurer/CFO Consent Agenda | 2024-044 Approval of Tax Rates and amounts resolution. Instruction: Visions Grant Media Collection for use at Demmitt, Helke, Smith and Morton | 2024-046 Approval of Payment for Supervision of Student Observers/Student Teachers. Personnel: 2024-047 Approval of Personnel Consent Agenda | 2024-048 Approval of Summer Maintenance Compensation | 2024-049 Modification to Substitute Maintenance Compensation. Operations: 2024-050 Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Competitive Electric Service. Student Services: 2024-051 Vandalia-Butler Preschool Parent Handbook 2024-2025 and Preschool Tuition/Fees | 2024-052 Approval of Out of State Trip (8th Grade Class to Washington, D.C. November 12-15). Board Activity: New/Revised Board Policies - First Reading; No Action Necessary | 2024-053-2024-060 Resolutions Pursuant to R.C. 5715.19. Youth in Government Students and Aviator Achievement Recipients: IMPORTANT LINKS Below are several important website links to help you find information quickly and easily: Reconfiguration Updates (Demmitt/Helke/Smith) Board-Approved School Year Calendar All-School Calendar Hub Calamity Day Letter | Delay Schedule Breakfast and Lunch Menus Transportation Board of Education Information | Board Docs (Agendas/Minutes/Policies/Financial Reports, etc.) Photo Albums MARK YOUR CALENDARS 4.13 | Under the Dome; 7pm @ Smith Planetarium 4.16 | Board of Education Meeting; 5:30pm @ Board of Education Office 4.17 | 2-Hour Early Release 4.26-4.28 | Spring Musical: Beauty and the Beast 5.6-5.10 | Staff Appreciation Week Vandalia-Butler City Schools 500 South Dixie Drive | Vandalia, OH 45377 | 415-6400
Friday, Apr 12 2024
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March District Newsletter
DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | March 2024 A Message from Superintendent Rob O'Leary Welcome to March! This month’s newsletter contains important reminders for families, as well as updates on the reconfiguration. As we enter March, conclude the third grading period, and begin the 4th grading period on Monday, March 11, let’s resolve to work together on a great end to this school year. Planning continues to move along for the reconfiguration. The following are the most recently completed items on the timeline: We notified all certified staff in PS-5th grade of their assignments for the 2024-2025 school year on Friday, March 8. This will be helpful as we move forward and continue planning for the reconfiguration next school year, especially with full day Kindergarten beginning next school year. With the approval of the 8-classroom modular unit and discussions with staff, we have decided third grade will be in the modular unit at Smith. The following items are also being discussed: At the last several board meetings we shared that we were potentially looking at making a modification to the school calendar at the end of this school year to help give time for staff to meet in their new building/grade level teams, plan schedules and class lists, move, etc. That said, I plan to recommend to the Board of Education that we move the last day of school for students in PS-8th grade from May 22 to Friday, May 17. We plan to keep the High School end date of May 22 the same to not disrupt their end of the year and keep intact the final exam schedule. While Morton is not as affected in the reconfiguration, there is a lot of work that staff will do during those days. We chose to include them in the end date of May 17 to help families who have students in middle school and elementary to be on the same schedule, especially where the middle schoolers could potentially help watch younger siblings. High schoolers will be on shortened days due to the final exam schedules as they do each year. I plan to recommend this to the Board at the March 19 Board of Education meeting which is also our Youth in Government meeting. The meeting will begin at 8:30 AM. We will soon post eligible/non-eligible transportation zones for each building in the reconfiguration, so parents have advanced notice of transportation eligibility for 2024-2025 prior to spring break. Last, but not least, as we close the door on the third grading period and head into the fourth and final grading period, let’s all resolve to work together to end this school year on a positive note. This time of the year becomes challenging because we all get cabin fever from the winter months. It seems that tensions and disputes happen this time of year, every year, because of that. I was made aware at our labor management meeting this week that we have had multiple instances in several buildings with staff getting yelled at and cursed at in phone conversations, in meetings, and in direct messages from ParentSquare. Please understand that I have instructed staff that we all must handle ourselves professionally, but if they are yelled at or cursed at and they can’t deescalate the conversation, then they need to politely end the conversation, offer to come back to meet, and problem solve the situations when things cool down and conversations can be productive. I appreciate your attention to this matter and expect you will handle situations politely and professionally as well. We all have a common goal - the success of your student(s). A few more weeks to spring break, and then the race to the end of the year is on. Here’s to a great March and some longer days with warmer weather! God Bless You All! We are Aviators! Rob O'Leary Superintendent RECONFIGURATION UPDATES The reconfiguration plan consists of: HELKE : Preschool and Kindergarten DEMMITT : First and Second Grades SMITH : Third, Fourth and Fifth Grades Tentative Timeline We will update this information from month to month as new information arises. Because of that, this timeline is subject to change. The information is also available on our website: www.vbcsd.com/reconfiguration December - January ✅ Planning Meetings with preschool through fifth grade staff and administrators and K-5 specials staff, and traveling staff. ✅ Information Gathering – Modular Unit Exploration. ✅ Administrative responsibilities for reconfiguration decided. February - March ✅ Enter into modular lease agreement in February. ✅ Rendering of Smith modular unit shared publicly (example photos shared in modular unit presentation). ✅ Staffing placement decisions (the goal is for decisions to be made and staff notified prior to spring break) Curriculum meetings and discussion planning for reconfiguration. ✅ Decision on which grade level will be in the modular unit at Smith made prior to spring break. While we won’t have transportation routing information, we will be able to post eligible/non-eligible transportation zones for each building in the reconfiguration, so parents have advanced notice of transportation eligibility prior to spring break . The district will continue to provide transportation services to all K-8 students living at a one-mile radius or more. April - May Release 2024-2025 school start/end times. Initial interest survey of parents for BASE offerings in 2024-2025. New staff teams begin planning for transition. Student-focused reconfiguration transition events (building tours, etc.). June - July Moving and preparing buildings for reconfiguration. Modular delivery/installation. August Open Houses August 7, 2024 - Deadline for Board of Education to make necessary resolutions in order to be included on the November ballot. Previous Communications: November 17, 2023 Newsletter - Superintendent's Message November 21, 2023 Update To view the slides presented at the November 21 Board of Education meeting pertaining to the reconfiguration, click here . December 2023 Newsletter - Superintendent's Message January 2024 Newsletter - Superintendent's Message February 2024 Newsletter - Superintendent's Message To view the slides presented at the February 12 special Board of Education meeting pertaining to the modular unit, click here . February 21 Update IN OUR DISTRICT VBCSD Alum and News Anchor Nathan Edwards Visited Students at Helke. PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT Preschool and kindergarten enrollment is coming up soon! Information is available on our website . Below are additional details and links: PRESCHOOL enrollment is scheduled APRIL 3, 2024 beginning at 8am . There will be one enrollment date; however, students ages 4+ will be prioritized and all remaining places will go to students ages 3+ in order of time stamp. Preschool enrollment is online and fills up quickly. CLICK HERE for additional preschool enrollment instructions. The enrollment link will become active at 8am on the morning of enrollment. Please note, all preschool classes will be located at Helke next school year. Enrollment for FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN will begin APRIL 22, 2024 . With the district's reconfiguration of Demmitt, Helke and Smith, ALL kindergarten classes will be at Helke beginning next school year. Additional details such as the hours of the school day, start/end times, transportation zones, etc. will be communicated in coordination with the district's reconfiguration timeline. Eclipse Information Our area is situated along the path of totality for the upcoming eclipse on April 8. The last total solar eclipse visible from Ohio was in 1806! If you would like to learn more about the upcoming solar eclipse, join us for our monthly series Under the Dome with Mr. Scott Oldfield. There is one more show on March 9 before the eclipse. The free family-friendly series is held at 7pm on the second Saturday of each month at the Smith planetarium. Reminder - There is no school on April 8. This date was planned with the original school calendar that was board-approved in March, 2023. Month of the Military Child April is the Month of the Military Child, and to celebrate, students and staff are invited to participate in our annual Purple Up! spirit week from Tuesday, April 9 through Friday, April 12. This year, April 15 officially kicks off Ohio Military Family Spirit Week; however, because several of our schools have state testing during that week, we are holding our spirit week early. IN THE NEWS BOARD BRIEFS The Vandalia-Butler Board of Education held a special meeting on February 12 and a regular meeting on February 20. February 12 Meeting: The Board met in special session for a presentation about the modular unit proposal and other reconfiguration topics. Discussion was permitted throughout the presentation between attendees, board members, and presenters Superintendent Rob O'Leary, Treasurer/CFO Eric Beavers, HR Director Russ Garman, and Director of Operations Marcus O'Brien. The presentation included information about the purchase of the modular unit, financing and payment terms and the full potential cost-savings from the reconfiguration plan. The district plans to purchase the modular unit for Smith over three years, and the reconfiguration plan will save the district approximately $6.1 million over five years starting next school year. These savings are in addition to the $2 million cost-savings reductions made this 2023-2024 school year. Discussion topics included modular financing, parking, modular maintenance and warranty terms, safety and security, football equipment storage relocation, and middle school football practice locations. There was also open discussion about the potential for implementing a full-day kindergarten program. No action was taken at this special meeting. February 20 Meeting: The Board met for its regular meeting. Below is a brief summary of the meeting. To view the agenda, click here . Superintendent's Report Students from Morton and Butler presented Happenings and shared classroom, extracurricular and athletic highlights along with upcoming school events. Two students were recognized with Aviator Achievements for their accomplishments at a recent dance competition. Superintendent O'Leary presented the list of Butler High School December graduates. Treasurer/CFO Report Treasurer/CFO Eric Beavers reviewed financial reports and noted December and January expenses were on target as projected. Treasurer/CFO Beavers also informed the board that property tax collections are down. The Following Action Items were Approved by the Board of Education: Superintendent: Recommendation to implement a full day kindergarten program for the '24-25 school year. Treasurer/CFO: Request to amend the certificate of estimated resources and/or appropriations for fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. Instruction: Two media collection lists, instructional materials, and administration of the Ohio third grade State Test in English language arts and math to be given in paper format for the '24-25 school year. Personnel: Personnel consent agenda. Operations: Sales agreement with EMOD for the purchase of an 8-classroom modular unit with restrooms as presented, at a cost of $1,257,141. The Board further authorizes the Treasurer/CFO, Superintendent and Board President to sign any and all necessary paperwork along with finalizing a municipal lease for financing with Huntington Bank, to be approved at a later date and ordering title work if necessary. Board Activity: Correction to the MVCTC Board representative term, correction to Board minutes, dated September 25, 2023, Resolution 2023-169. Butler and Morton Happenings and Aviator Achievement Recipients: IMPORTANT LINKS Below are several important website links to help you find information quickly and easily: Reconfiguration Updates (Demmitt/Helke/Smith) Board-Approved School Year Calendar All-School Calendar Hub Calamity Day Letter | Delay Schedule Breakfast and Lunch Menus Transportation Board of Education Information | Board Docs (Agendas/Minutes/Policies/Financial Reports, etc.) Photo Albums MARK YOUR CALENDARS 3.8.23 | Professional Development Day; No School for Students 3.9.24 | Under the Dome; 7pm @ Smith Planetarium 3.12.24 | Special Board of Education Meeting ; 12:00pm @ Board of Education Office 3.19.24 | Board of Education Meeting; 8:30am @ Board of Education Office (Youth in Government Day) 3.20.24 | 2-Hour Early Release 3.25.24 - 3.29.24 | Spring Break 4.8.24 | Eclipse | No School Vandalia-Butler City Schools 500 South Dixie Drive | Vandalia, OH 45377 | 415-6400
Saturday, Mar 09 2024
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January District Newsletter
DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | JANUARY 2024 A Message from Superintendent Rob O'Leary Happy New Year! I hope all of our families had a blessed Christmas and holiday season with family and loved ones. It is hard to believe it is 2024! This month’s newsletter contains important reminders for families, as well as updates on the reconfiguration. I intend to give updates each month on the reconfiguration plan and on the timeline posted in the December newsletter. I will continue to list the timeline each month, as well as links back to the previous newsletters and slides from the November 21st board presentation for reference. In keeping with the timeline, I want to give you a few updates. First, the following are the administrative assignments pertaining to Helke, Demmitt, and Smith: Helke - Principal Brian Tregoning Demmitt - Principal Garry Martin Smith - Principal Ryan Rogers Shalyn Leighner will continue her role as Special Education Supervisor. She will no longer be the Preschool Supervisor as Mr. Tregoning will absorb those duties as building principal. However, she will be coordinating special education services for Preschool through grade 5 for this upcoming school year. The next update is on the modular unit: We have made several site visits to survey existing modulars by 2 of the potential providers. We have discarded the high bidder. The products were very similar in quality but varied in construction and finishes. We continue to review both specification submittals for verification of differences. Over the break we engaged with the modular provider that we used for the high school project in 2010. We will soon receive a proposal from them to add for consideration and will hope to put eyes on this soon. Payment options and/or financing will be determined by the end of January. God Bless You All! Vandalia-Butler Strong! We are Aviators! RECONFIGURATION UPDATES The reconfiguration plan consists of: HELKE : Preschool and Kindergarten DEMMITT : First and Second Grades SMITH : Third, Fourth and Fifth Grades Tentative Timeline We will update this information from month to month as new information arises. Because of that, this timeline is subject to change. The information is also available on our website: www.vbcsd.com/reconfiguration December - January Planning Meetings with preschool through fifth grade staff and administrators and K-5 specials staff, and traveling staff. Information Gathering – Modular Unit Exploration. Administrative responsibilities for reconfiguration decided. Enter into modular lease agreement at the end of January. February - March Rendering of Smith modular unit shared publicly. Staffing placement decisions (the goal is for decisions to be made and staff notified prior to spring break) Curriculum meetings and discussion planning for reconfiguration. Decision on which grade level will be in the modular unit at Smith made prior to spring break. While we won’t have transportation routing information, we will be able to post eligible/non-eligible transportation zones for each building in the reconfiguration, so parents have advanced notice of transportation eligibility prior to spring break . The district will continue to provide transportation services to all K-8 students living at a one-mile radius or more. April - May Release 2024-2025 school start/end times. Initial interest survey of parents for BASE offerings in 2024-2025. New staff teams begin planning for transition. Student-focused reconfiguration transition events (building tours, etc.). June - July Moving and preparing buildings for reconfiguration. Modular delivery/installation. August Open Houses August 7, 2024 - Deadline for Board of Education to make necessary resolutions in order to be included on the November ballot. Previous Communications: November 17, 2023 Newsletter - Superintendent's Message November 21, 2023 Update To view the slides presented at the November 21 Board of Education meeting pertaining to the reconfiguration, click here . December 2023 Newsletter - Superintendent's Message IN OUR DISTRICT Butler High School students had the opportunity to take part in the U.S. Army's Mission Support Battalion Mobile Exhibit Company Army Aviation Asset. The semi-trailer is outfitted with multiple flight simulators and the crew travels across the country to share this unique learning opportunity with students. Military and Purple Star Student Appreciation Night On Friday, January 19, join us as we honor members of the military, past and present, and recognize Purple Star students in both our district and Fairborn City Schools' district. The Purple Star student recognition will take place during halftime of the boys' varsity game. What does it mean to be a Purple Star District? The important service our military families provide is genuinely appreciated by our school district and community. We recognize that transitioning in and out of schools is a challenging experience for the parents and students. We strive to be a military family-friendly school district and embrace the relationships we create with students in all of our school buildings. School Board Appreciation Month January is School Board Appreciation Month. Thank you to our Board of Education for their service, leadership and dedication to our district! During the January 4 school board meeting, the board was recognized for their commitment to Vandalia-Butler City Schools. Scott Fullam | Holly Herbst | Mary Kilsheimer | Daniel Pierron | Rodney Washburn Quality Profile The Quality Profile provides a comprehensive overview of our district. It includes accountability measures beyond the state's report card that define the high quality, well-rounded public education our students receive. To view a digital copy of the 2022-2023 school year Quality Profile, click here . A limited number of copies will be available soon at each of our school buildings and the Board of Education office. IN THE NEWS BOARD BRIEFS The Board of Education met January 4, 2024 for its organizational and regular board meetings. The Oath of Office was administered to re-elected board members Mr. Rodney Washburn and Ms. Mary Kilsheimer. Additionally, nominations were accepted and the Board approved Ms. Holly Herbst as Board President and Mr. Rodney Washburn as Board Vice-President. Board meeting dates were established for the 2024 calendar year and can be found here (they are also uploaded to the district ParentSquare and website calendars). To view the complete Organizational Meeting Agenda, click here . The regular Board of Education meeting immediately followed. To view the full agenda, click here . Superintendent's Report January is Board Appreciation Month, and Superintendent O'Leary recognized the VBCSD Board of Education for their service and leadership. With gratitude, the district accepted a donation from the Lion's Club for planetarium updates. An update on administrative roles for the reconfiguration was provided. Details are outlined in Superintendent O'Leary's January newsletter message above. Treasurer's Report Treasurer/CFO Eric Beavers provided the financial report for November 2023. The 2023 audit of the district is complete and has been submitted to the state for final review. The Treasurer's Department also submitted financial reports to the Government Finance Officer's Association for consideration of the Excellence in Government Finance award. Aviator Achievements Superintendent O'Leary recognized the following students and staff members with Aviator Achievements: Aela Shumaker - Winner of the Montgomery County Environmental calendar contest. Mr. Jeff Mesko - Quick response in assisting a student with a medical emergency. Mrs. Jennifer Jette' - Butler High School Peer Tutor program. Butler High School Peer Tutors: Gavin Burress, Ava Cyphers, Elloise Fisher, Amethyst Fogle, Sophia Grillot, Lily Kerr, Madilyn Lucas, Lilliana Miller, Gabriella Tallman, Kareena Vandervort, Karenza Vandervort, Sydney Wolpert Additional Action Items Approval of two new courses to be added to the 2024-2025 Course Study Program for Butler High School: Chemistry in the Community and Spanish 4. Approval of payment to an employee for the supervision of student observers/student teachers. Funds were provided by Mount Vernon Nazarene for the professional services provided by the teacher. Approval of the Personnel Consent Agenda , including three retirements. WHERE DO I FIND...? Below are several important website links to help you find information quickly and easily: Reconfiguration Updates (Demmitt/Helke/Smith) Board-Approved School Year Calendar All-School Calendar Hub Calamity Day Letter | Delay Schedule Breakfast and Lunch Menus Transportation Board of Education Information | Board Docs (Agendas/Minutes/Policies/Financial Reports, etc.) Photo Albums MARK YOUR CALENDARS 1.13.24 | Under the Dome; 7pm @ Smith Planetarium 1.15.24 | Martin Luther King, Jr. Day | No School 1.19.24 | Military Appreciation Night; Varsity Basketball Game @ SAC 1.24.24 | 2-Hour Early Release Vandalia-Butler City Schools 500 South Dixie Drive | Vandalia, OH 45377 | 415-6400
Thursday, Jan 11 2024
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December District Newsletter
DISTRICT NEWSLETTER | DECEMBER 2023 A Message from Superintendent Rob O'Leary It is hard to believe in just a few short weeks we will end the first semester, break for the holidays, and come back to school in January to start calendar year 2024 and the 2nd semester of school. This month’s newsletter contains important reminders for families, as well as updates on the reconfiguration. Since the last update prior to Thanksgiving, we have spent our time in meetings, gathering information, and planning. We have all three bids on the modular units for Smith from our vendors. All three are part of the state term pricing consortium, so they are already vetted and do not have to go through the competitive bidding process. All three companies have modular units being used by schools in districts near us, and we will be visiting all of them so we can choose the best fit for our needs. Below, you will find a tentative timeline with anticipated milestones as it pertains to the reconfiguration and other relative financial pieces as we are actively planning for next school year. This will be updated from month to month, so it is subject to change as new information arises. Please expect that things could change, and milestones moved earlier or later due to extenuating circumstances beyond our control. I am including this to help everyone, our administration, our staff, and families see the progression and to know when to generally expect information. I hope you and your families have a blessed holiday season! Please take time to put the electronic devices away to spend and enjoy quality time together! God Bless You All! Vandalia-Butler Strong! We are Aviators! RECONFIGURATION UPDATES The reconfiguration plan consists of: HELKE : Preschool and Kindergarten DEMMITT : First and Second Grades SMITH : Third, Fourth and Fifth Grades Tentative Timeline We will update this information from month to month as new information arises. Because of that, this timeline is subject to change. The information is also available on our website: www.vbcsd.com/reconfiguration December - January Planning Meetings with preschool through fifth grade staff and administrators and K-5 specials staff, and traveling staff. Information Gathering – Modular Unit Exploration. Administrative responsibilities for reconfiguration decided. Enter into modular lease agreement at the end of January. February - March Rendering of Smith modular unit shared publicly. Staffing placement decisions (the goal is for decisions to be made and staff notified prior to spring break) Curriculum meetings and discussion planning for reconfiguration. Decision on which grade level will be in the modular unit at Smith made prior to spring break. While we won’t have transportation routing information, we will be able to post eligible/non-eligible transportation zones for each building in the reconfiguration, so parents have advanced notice of transportation eligibility prior to spring break. April - May Release 2024-2025 school start/end times. Initial interest survey of parents for BASE offerings in 2024-2025. New staff teams begin planning for transition. Student-focused reconfiguration transition events (building tours, etc.). June - July Moving and preparing buildings for reconfiguration. Modular delivery/installation. August Open Houses August 7, 2024 - Deadline for Board of Education to make necessary resolutions in order to be included on the November ballot. Previous Communications: November 17, 2023 Newsletter - Superintendent's Message November 21, 2023 Update To view the slides presented at the November 21 Board of Education meeting pertaining to the reconfiguration, click here . SAFETY & SECURITY UPDATE The safety and security of our students and staff is a top priority in our district. We are committed to keeping our school community informed and updated. If/when a threat is made, we have a very strict protocol in place. We also believe it is important to keep our district’s specific safety protocols and procedures confidential because we don’t want the information fall into the wrong hands. Superintendent O’Leary works closely with Bill Wertz, our Director of Safety, Security, Attendance & Enrollment, our team of SSOs, and both the Vandalia and Butler Township Police Chiefs. We have a great partnership, and we are always taking every measure possible to provide a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and families. We continue to encourage our students, families and staff that if you see something concerning, then say something. IN OUR DISTRICT Students and staff have been spreading holiday spirit! Recently, the Smith Handbell Choir and Butler Chamber Choir performed at the City of Vandalia's tree lighting ceremony. Smith Middle School held their annual Chicken and Waffles with Santa event. Thanks to a wonderful partnership with the PTO, Morton and Whetstone and Frickers, all funds raised will be donated to the Dayton chapter of A Special Wish. Morton students have become "Reading Buddies" with Helke first grade students. Students who had artwork featured in our district calendar were recognized by Superintendent O'Leary at the November Board of Education meeting. IN THE NEWS BOARD BRIEFS The Board of Education held its final meeting of the 2023 calendar year on December 4. Click here to view the agenda Superintendent O'Leary recognized Natalie Schoenherr and Lauren Dady with Aviator Achievements for earning MVL Athletes of the Year in tennis and volleyball, respectively. Morton and Smith Middle School students presented "Middle School Happenings". O'Leary also provided a recap of where the district stands with the reconfiguration process. Information is available on our website by clicking here . Treasurer/CFO Eric Beavers provided updates about preliminary millage rates from the Montgomery County Auditor. Millage rates are expected to decrease due to the new property value assessments. Because of House Bill 920, outside millage does not grow; therefore, the district's levies will be collected at the same amount as originally approved. However, a small portion collected, known as inside millage, may increase. Final millage rates will be presented to the board at a later date. Action Items The Board approved a change in the maintenance substitute pay rate. The new rate is $16.50/hour. Approval of the Personnel Consent Agenda . Schedule approval of the 2024 Organizational Meeting for January 4, 2024 at 5:30pm at the BOE Office. The next meeting is scheduled for January 4, 2024 at 5:30. During this organizational meeting, the BOE will set the 2024 calendar year meeting dates and times. Once confirmed, we will add the dates to the website and our ParentSquare calendar. WHERE DO I FIND?... Here are several important website links to help you find information quickly and easily: Reconfiguration Updates (Demmitt/Helke/Smith) Board-Approved School Year Calendar All-School Calendar Hub Calamity Day Letter | Delay Schedule Breakfast and Lunch Menus Transportation Board of Education Information | Board Docs (Agendas/Minutes/Policies/Financial Reports, etc.) Photo Albums MARK YOUR CALENDARS 12.20.23 | End of the Grading Period 12.21.23-1.3.24 | Winter Break 1.3.24 | Report Day for Staff 1.4.24 | Students Return from Break | Beginning of Second Semester Vandalia-Butler City Schools 500 South Dixie Drive | Vandalia, OH 45377 | 415-6400
Wednesday, Dec 13 2023
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November District Newsletter
Monthly Newsletter | November 2023 A Message from Superintendent Rob O'Leary Welcome to November! This month’s newsletter contains important information for the month ahead, as well as updates on the next steps the district will take since the November 7 levy did not pass. As I shared last month, in October the board approved cost reductions to be enacted in the 2024-2025 school year if the levy request did not pass in November of 2023. Since the levy request did not pass, the following cost reduction plan will go into effect for the 2024-2025 school year: • Reconfiguration of elementaries which would result in the reduction of 3 teaching positions. • Reduction of 1 teaching position at Smith (due to lower projected enrollment next year). • Elimination of 1 section per year of textbook adoptions. • Elimination of 1 Operations position. • Exploration of a Labor Day to Memorial Day school calendar (which we anticipate could save a couple hundred thousand dollars if we moved to this calendar). • Pursuit other opportunities to capture savings through attrition. These spending cuts total approximately $1.2 million and, again, will go into effect for the 2024-2025 school year. The administration has begun working through details on the reconfiguration, and I will share information about this throughout the next several months. I will do a preliminary review of this plan at the Tuesday, November 21 Board of Education meeting. I will also share more specifics of the plan in upcoming newsletters. The Labor Day to Memorial Day calendar option will be explored with staff and must be negotiated with the Vandalia Butler Education Association. The Board will hold public hearings on the school calendar, and the calendar must have Board approval, which we do every spring, before implementation. I will share details about this process throughout the year as well. As a reminder, the cost reductions already implemented for this school year included: • 7 teaching positions not replaced. • 10 teaching assistants not replaced from retirements and resignations. • Administration reduction from retirement • Technology department brought in house from a contracted service. • $100,000 supplemental contracts reduction. These reductions totaled $2 million and, combined with the $1.2 million reductions (listed above) for the 24-25 school year, has helped to mitigate the deficit of revenue to expenses from not having new revenue from the levy request. Because of these reductions, we are not in the financial position we were last year where we showed a deficit balance in the third year of the five-year forecast and had to file a plan with the Ohio Department of Education on how we would address the projected deficit. Without new revenue, the cost reduction plan is how we have addressed this and improved the financial position of the district. A negative balance or deficit is not anticipated in the five-year forecast that will be presented for approval at the November 21 Board of Education meeting. The Board ‘s next decision will be whether to put a levy request on the ballot this spring, which will be held in March because of the presidential primaries. If the Board were to decide to do this, it would require several Board-approved resolutions to be filed with the county prior to December 8. This is a very quick turnaround after just learning the results of the levy last week, and a lot of information must be reviewed prior to making that decision. The Board may also decide to wait and go on the November 2024 ballot. Obviously, there are a lot of discussions and decisions to be made over the next several months. I will continue to update you on this process. As November is always a month to reflect on what we are thankful for, on behalf of the board and our staff I want to express our appreciation and thanks for the tremendous support we have in this community and district. Though we have challenges to work through, we have great support and are doing great things in this district! I wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving! God Bless You All! Vandalia-Butler Strong! We are Aviators! IN OUR DISTRICT Congratulations to the cast and crew of Butler High School's Drama Club for presenting Rick Abbot's comedy, "Play On!". Bring Out the Best - A new mentor program between Butler and Morton students Students and staff enjoyed Halloween traditions throughout the district Veterans Day - Honoring All Who Served American Legion Post 668 | Flagpole Dedication The flagpole from Murlin Heights was restored by the American Legion, and a flag raising ceremony was held to commemorate the occasion. The Legion also presented our elementary schools with generous donations. Many former and current VBCSD staff came together to celebrate. ATHLETICS Congratulations to the following students who participated in National Signing Day and committed to continuing their academic and athletic careers: Jordan Taylor, Norah Neely, Kylee Kleiner, and Natalie Schoenherr WHERE DO I FIND...? We realize the amount of information shared every day can feel overwhelming for families, but we hope to make it easy to find what you're looking for when you need it. With a new website that launched in February, 2023, it is updated regularly and we encourage families to use it as a valuable source of information. Here are several quick links to information on our website: Board Approved District Calendars (for a year at a glance) Calamity day letter, delay schedule, and how delays are communicated Breakfast and lunch menus Transportation Board of Education Information | Board meeting agendas, minutes, financial reports and policies Photo albums Building Websites: Butler High School | Butler High School Documents and Forms Morton Middle School Smith Middle School Demmitt Elementary School Helke Elementary School Preschool ParentSquare Search: ParentSquare offers a helpful search tool. From the app, toggle to the building you need to find information for. In the top "search posts" field, type any keyword or topic and search. Filter results by clicking on the tool to the right of the search field to narrow down even more. Additionally, district calendar dates are updated in ParentSquare for the school year. Click on the "events" icon at the bottom of the app, or the calendar on a desktop to view important school date information. The app's calendar also has a "subscribe" option to sync dates directly to your phone's calendar. Board of Education Information The next Board of Education meeting will be Tuesday, November 21 at 5:30pm in the Butler High School Lecture Hall . During this meeting, we will be recognizing our calendar artists ( click here to view the full calendar - a limited number of additional copies are available at the Board of Education office). The Board will also be reviewing the five-year forecast as presented by Treasurer/CFO Eric Beavers and discussing the next phase of reductions that will take effect during the 2024-2025 school year mentioned above in Superintendent O'Leary's message. Board meetings are open to the public. MARK YOUR CALENDARS 11.21.23 | Board of Education Meeting; 5:30pm @ Butler Lecture Hall 11.22.23-11.24.23 | No School 12.4.23 | Board of Education Meeting; 5:30pm @ Board of Education Office 12.9.23 | Under the Dome; 7pm @ Smith Planetarium 12.20.23 | End of the grading period 12.21.23-1.3.24 | Winter break Vandalia-Butler City Schools 500 South Dixie Drive | Vandalia, OH 45377 | 415-6400
Friday, Nov 17 2023
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October District Newsletter
Monthly Newsletter | October 2023 A Message from Superintendent Rob O'Leary Welcome to October! This month’s newsletter contains important information for the month ahead, as well as updates on some Board of Education news. But, first, I want to thank you all for a great, spirited homecoming week. A special thanks to all our staff members for making it a memorable week. Second, want to let you know that Monday night, the Board of Education reviewed the list of cuts that were approved in March of 2023 (if new money is not passed by November of 2023). After much discussion, the Board decided to amend and reduce the list originally approved last March. The reason for this change is because the additional state funding received in the new biennium budget improved the district financial picture enough to keep us out of the red in the five-year forecast. This additional money in state funds was the reason the board was able to approve a lesser request for a levy on this November ballot (the 4-mill property levy that is on the November ballot is lesser in comparison to the 1% earned income tax request in May). While the additional state funding keeps us out of the red in the five-year forecast, the increase is not enough to keep us off the ballot because it doesn’t leave us with Board approved cash balances, which is why we are still on the ballot in November and why additional spending cuts were approved. The original spending cuts approved in March were to be enacted in the 2024-2025 school year if new money is not approved by November of 2023. Those spending cuts totaled about $2.8 million and consisted of: the reconfiguration of Demmitt and Helke Elementary, reducing transportation from the current 1-mile radius to the state minimum 2-mile radius, as well as reductions in elective classes at Morton and Butler, the reduction of specials at the elementary buildings, and counseling services in the district, to name a few. The new cost reduction plan approved Monday evening totals about $1.2 million (reduced from the original $2.8 million), and consists of: Reconfiguration of Demmitt and Helke which would reduce 3 teaching positions. Reducing 1 teaching position at Smith (due to lower projected enrollment next year). Elimination of 1 section per year of textbook adoptions. Elimination of 1 Operations position. Exploration of a Labor Day to Memorial Day school calendar (which we anticipate could save a couple hundred thousand dollars if we moved to this calendar). Pursuit of other opportunities to capture savings through attrition. These spending cuts would go into effect for the 2024-2025 school year if new money is not approved in November. The Board also discussed that if the levy fails in November, we will pursue a levy request in the May election. State Funding Advocacy Also, on a slightly different topic, in addition to this data that we continue to share, according to data compiled from the Ohio Dept. of Education’s District Profile Report as of FY2022: 1. VBCSD ranks 25th in lowest funded districts per pupil out of 25 districts in both Montgomery and Miami Counties. 2. VBCSD ranks 68th in lowest funded districts per pupil out of 69 in our entire Miami Valley region. 3. VBCSD ranks 36th in lowest funded districts per pupil out of all 613 public school districts in the state. In further investigating our rank as 36th lowest state funded district per pupil out of the 613 districts in the state, we have also discovered that in comparison to this group of 36 lowest funded districts, we have the 5th lowest Ohio Median Income, we have the 3rd lowest Federal Average income, and we are the 5th highest economic disadvantaged district in this group. All this shows – we don’t belong in this group! We are not funded appropriately by the state. We continue to make our case and advocate further with the state and county auditors. We will continue to update you on this topic until we have a resolve or further answers. Mr. Beavers and I have more meetings and follow ups planned and in the works. Last but not least, it is hard to believe we are already coming up on the end of the first grading period! Thanks to all our students, parents, and staff for all you are doing to make this a great school year! God bless you all and our school year! We are Aviators! COMMUNITY FORUM IN OUR DISTRICT NEW: We have a page on our website to share photos of various public events! Follow along as we continue to update the gallery. WEBSITE: www.vbcsd.com/photos District Pep Rally HOMECOMING IN THE NEWS Our district was featured in the Dayton Daily News! ALUMNI NEWS Congratulations to the 2023 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees! Kacie Cassell-Mahin; 2010 Kim Clay-Hils; 1979 Gary Davis; 1967 Taylor Decker; 2012 Seth Gorney; 2004 Lynn Murray; 1960 Daniel Neff; 2009 Monte Ross; Coach Hall of Achievement The alumni association inducted four individuals into the Hall of Achievement. Banners created in their honor will hang in the atrium of Butler High School for one year. Linda Karns Jean Maychack Larry Lutz Ken Perkins PARENTSQUARE ParentSquare Community Groups A new feature has been added called Community Groups. This feature is an opt-in group for Vandalia and Butler Township residents who do not have children in the district or who do not currently have ParentSquare access. By clicking on this link, community members may sign up by providing their name and email address to receive monthly newsletters directly from us. We hope this feature allows all members of the Vandalia-Butler community to stay connected to what is happening within our school district. MARK YOUR CALENDARS 10.7.23 | Under the Dome; 7pm @ Smith Planetarium 10.11.23 | Community Forum; 6pm @ BHS Performing Arts Theatre 10.12.23 | End of the 1st Grading Period 10.13.23 | Professional Development Day - No School for Students 10.17.23 | Board of Education Meeting; 5:30pm @ Butler Lecture Hall (The agenda will be available on Board Docs ) STATE OF THE SCHOOLS Presentation 10.18.23 | District 2-Hour Early Release 10.24.23 | BHS College and Career Fair; 6-8pm @ SAC *For a full list of our fall athletics schedules, click here .* Vandalia-Butler City Schools 500 South Dixie Drive | Vandalia, OH 45377 | 415-6400
Friday, Oct 06 2023
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September District Newsletter
Monthly Newsletter | September 2023 A Message from Superintendent Rob O'Leary Welcome to September! I would first like to thank all parents, students, and staff for a great start to the 2023-2024 school year. We have enjoyed a smooth transition back to the classroom and academics, and we are off to a great start in our extracurricular programs, too! I hope all our families enjoyed a relaxing, fun, Labor Day Holiday. Please take a few moments to read the information in this newsletter. It contains important information, updates, events, and reminders for the District. Property Tax Levy As I shared last month, the Board of Education voted to put a 4-mill property tax levy on the November 2023 ballot. This will cost a taxpayer who owns a $100,000 home approximately $140 per year. CFO/Treasurer Eric Beavers and I will be hosting an informational meeting about the levy on Wednesday, October 11 at 6:00 P.M . in the Performing Arts Theatre (PAT) at Butler High School. Montgomery County Auditor Karl Keith and Montgomery County Treasurer John McManus will be joining us to give updates from their offices and answer any questions you may have about this issue or anything regarding your property taxes in general. State Funding Advocacy Mr. Beavers and I continue to advocate for proper funding for our school district. We have had multiple meetings within the last month with the County Auditor’s office and a meeting at the state level with the Director of the Office of Budget and Management (OBM). We continue to contest and challenge these data points contained in the Ohio Dept. of Education’s District Profile Report as of FY2022: 1. VBCSD ranks 25th in lowest funded districts per pupil out of 25 districts in both Montgomery and Miami Counties. 2. VBCSD ranks 68th in lowest funded districts per pupil out of 69 in our entire Miami Valley region. 3. VBCSD ranks 36th in lowest funded districts per pupil out of all 613 public school districts in the state. In other words, 577 school districts receive more funding per pupil than our district. This quest continues to lead us to more questions and fact finding, which we are actively pursuing in the hopes this can result in more state funding for the District. While we are getting some answers, we have more questions and more meetings planned. I will continue to update you each month until we are finished. As we move from the season of summer to fall and look to Homecoming at the end of the month, I wish you all a blessed month of September. God bless you all and our school year! We are Aviators! COMMUNITY FORUM IN OUR DISTRICT We have enjoyed a great start to the school year. Students are excelling in the classroom and beyond! IN THE NEWS PARENTSQUARE ParentSquare Community Groups A new feature has been added called Community Groups. This feature is an opt-in group for Vandalia and Butler Township residents who do not have children in the district or who do not currently have ParentSquare access. By clicking on this link, community members may sign up by providing their name and email address to receive monthly newsletters directly from us. We hope this feature allows all members of the Vandalia-Butler community to stay connected to what is happening within our school district. MARK YOUR CALENDARS 9.20.23 | 2-Hour Early Release 9.25.23 | Board of Education Meeting; 5pm (The agenda will be available on Board Docs ) 9.28.23 | Homecoming Parade; Line up begins at 5pm; Parade begins at 5:45pm 9.29.23 | District-Wide Pep Assembly | Homecoming Game vs Fairborn; Kickoff at 7pm *For a full list of our fall athletics schedules, click here .* Vandalia-Butler City Schools 500 South Dixie Drive | Vandalia, OH 45377 | 415-6400
Monday, Sep 11 2023
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August District Newsletter
Monthly Newsletter | August 2023 A Message from Superintendent Rob O'Leary Welcome to August! With the start of the 2023-2024 school year upon us, we are excited to begin another great school year and build upon the many successes from the last several school years. I hope your summer was enjoyable and I hope our students are ready to return to school! The following are a few updates from the District: For most of last school year and certainly all of the first 7 months of 2023, I have communicated about the financial situation in the District. As was reported last month, the Board of Education was discerning what tax issue it will put on the November 2023 ballot. Several things have happened since my last communication, and I have some good news to share. For the first time in my career in the VBCSD, our District received a considerable increase in funding from the state; $2,848,521 over a two-year period to be exact. The District forecasted a $250,000 per year increase from the state, as that has been the typical increase. So, this increase, along with the cost reductions implemented after the May income tax failure puts the District in a much better financial situation. It doesn’t solve our issues, but it does keep us out of the red in the five-year forecast. Therefore, the Board approved a much smaller request of a 4-mil Property Tax issue, which will be on the ballot Tuesday, November 7, 2023. This 4-mil levy will generate $2,784,369 per year. Advocacy at the state level: As the District has reported for years, Vandalia-Butler City Schools has struggled with inadequate state funding for over two decades. Last month I shared with you that: According to data compiled from the Ohio Dept. of Education’s District Profile Report as of FY2022: 1. VBCSD ranks 25th in lowest funded districts per pupil out of 25 districts in both Montgomery and Miami Counties. 2. VBCSD ranks 68th in lowest funded districts per pupil out of 69 districts in our entire Miami Valley region. 3. VBCSD ranks 577 out of 613 Ohio schools in state funding per pupil which means we are the 36th lowest funded district per pupil out of all 613 public school districts in the state. Treasurer/CFO Eric Beavers, myself, and several board members have actively been meeting with state legislators and the county auditor. Mr. Beavers and I also have a meeting with the state at the end of August to continue to question this data and advocate on behalf of the District. More to come on this matter. As we approach this new school year, I hope you enjoy this last week of summer break. God bless you all and our school year ahead! We are Aviators! 2023-2024 INFORMATION VBCSD Open House Night: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 Butler 5:30-7:00pm Morton 6:00-7:30pm Smith 5:00-6:30pm Demmitt 5:30-7:00pm Helke 6:00-7:30pm First Day of School for 1st - 12th grade: AUGUST 17, 2023 First Day of School for Preschool and Kindergarten: August 22, 2023 Homecoming Parade: Thursday, September 28 Homecoming Game: Friday, September 29 Homecoming Dance: Saturday, September 30 Calendars To view the 2023-2024 board approved school year at a glance calendar, click here . Check your mailboxes! District wall calendars were slightly delayed at the printers, but they have been mailed. If you do not receive one by the start of school, please stop by the Board of Education Office to pick up a copy. There are limited copies available. The calendar is on the website and can be viewed by clicking here . Back to School Info & School Supply Lists School supply lists and additional back to school information is available on each building website linked here: Butler High School Morton Middle School Smith Middle School Demmitt Elementary School Helke Elementary School Food Service Information August menus are posted on the website. From this page, you may also access the Free or Reduced Meal application, the Fee Waiver form, and school meal information. Click here to view. Transportation Department Number: 415.6691 Bus View Website Bus View Login Credentials : User Name = Student ID #; Password = Registered 10 Digit Phone Number The transportation department is busy practicing bus routes this week. By the end of the day on Monday, August 14 , approximate pick up and drop off times will be available on Bus View as well as bus numbers. The transportation department recently sent a survey to grades K-8 families inquiring about transportation needs. All students in grades K-8 are provided a bus number and included in bus routes; however, by completing the survey, the department will be able to more efficiently plan ahead and alleviate some of the fluctuating drop off and pick up times as the school year begins. Please note that you may call the transportation department at any time if your transportation needs change. If you do not complete the survey but still require bus transportation, your student(s) will be accommodated. Important Forms CLICK HERE for a link to important district forms including authorization to take medications during school hours. Consent Forms Please be sure the annual consent forms are completed in Power School as soon as possible. Click here to access the login page. If you are experiencing any trouble logging in, please contact the main office of your student's school. Final Forms (Athletics) - The Department of Athletics is now using Final Forms to manage all athletic participation forms. If you have not already done so, please register your athlete and complete the necessary steps. Click here for more information. Smith Middle School - New Traffic Pattern In an effort to help reduce the amount of traffic on Little York Road during drop off and dismissal times, Smith Middle School will be implementing a new traffic pattern. Mr. Rogers communicated this information and additional guidance in his most recent ParentSquare newsletter. We appreciate your patience as we make this adjustment! NEW VBCSD STAFF Help us welcome our new staff members! We are looking forward to the great work this talented group is about to accomplish in our district! Marissa Bardonaro - Intervention Specialist; Preschool Bailey Dahlinghaus - Second Grade Teacher; Demmitt Darcy Franck - Intervention Specialist; Preschool Rachel Gillum - Social Studies; Butler Jill Kindrick - Intervention Specialist; Demmitt Cody McKenzie - Intervention Specialist; Demmitt Erin Norman - Intervention Specialist; Morton Caiden Smith - Third Grade Teacher; Helke Savannah Thompson - First Grade Teacher; Helke Megan Vanchure - Intervention Specialist; Morton Not pictured: Elsie Collins, Christen Cyphers, Alexandra Lewis, and Jordan Petrick PARENTSQUARE Introducing Community Groups! A new feature has been added called Community Groups. This feature is an opt-in group for Vandalia and Butler Township residents who do not currently have ParentSquare access. By clicking on this link , community members may sign up by providing their name and email address to receive monthly newsletters directly from us. We hope this feature allows all members of the Vandalia-Butler community to stay connected to what is happening within our school district. IN OUR DISTRICT Aviator Achievements - Track The Butler track team was recognized for their season accomplishments. Our athletes were District Champs in the 200M dash, 300M hurdles, 800M/1600M, and the girls 4x800M relay. Jordan Gross also competed in the OHSAA state track championship placing 13th and broke a school record in the 200M dash. Aviator Achievements - Bowling The Butler girls bowling team was recognized with Aviator Achievements for their season accomplishments. The team won the Southwest District title and qualified for the OHSAA state bowling championships placing 11th. The team recently competed at the national level and placed 21st! Demmitt elementary's Kids Read Now program was featured in the July 30 edition of the Dayton Daily News! Click here to view the full page from the newspaper. IN OUR COMMUNITY Friday, August 18, 2023 is the season opener football game against Northmont and the annual Blake LaForce Play for a Cure night. Kickoff is at 7pm. Game tickets are available online or at the gate. Saturday, August 19 will be the annual 41Hope5K which begins and ends at the Butler Memorial Stadium. For more information or to register for the run/walk, click here . MARK YOUR CALENDARS 8.7.23 | Board of Education Workshop | Board of Education Office; 5:30pm 8.14.22 | Opening Day for Staff 8.15.23 | District Open House Night | Board of Education Regular Meeting | Board of Education Office; 5:30pm 8.17.23 | First Day of School for Grades 1-12 8.22.23 | First Day of School for Preschool and Kindergarten *For a full list of our fall athletics schedules, click here .* Vandalia-Butler City Schools 500 South Dixie Drive | Vandalia, OH 45377 | 415-6400
Friday, Aug 11 2023